Former Auckland business leader would ‘probably’ introduce a sugar tax in NZ

An extensive global review has found taxing sugary drinks has resulted in a significant decline in sales, Newshub reports. Dental Association spokesperson Rob Beaglehole said there was evidence suggesting ‘starting small’ with sugary drinks would help bring health benefits. “I’d probably go for [a sugar tax],” said ex-Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett. Strategic advisor Ziena Jalil agreed, suggesting NZ considers a UK model. “What we’ve done here is taken sugary drinks out of schools… What they did in the UK was: the tax was based on the level of sugar content in the drink.”